Key Takeaways:
- 5 of 15 water samples positive for E. coli in Bidur Municipality holding centres
- 55 drinking-water projects damaged across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha (losses Rs 640m)
- Health experts warn of diarrhoea, cholera, skin and vector-borne infections
- 21,000 cholera vaccine doses flown to Rasuwa with WHO support
- Minister Nisha Mehta directs immediate supply of medicines, vaccines, health workers
- Water Supply Department deploying generator, pumps, tankers to restore services
Five of 15 water samples collected from holding centres for people affected by the Bhotekoshi flood have tested positive for E. coli, highlighting the growing risk of waterborne diseases in disaster-hit areas.
The samples were collected from different holding centres in Bidur Municipality, Nuwakot, according to Krishna Rijal, information officer at the District Public Health Office. The affected water sources have since been treated, and authorities have advised people to consume only purified water.
The warning comes as the flood has damaged 55 drinking-water projects across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha, with preliminary losses estimated at Rs 640 million. Nuwakot has reported the highest number of damaged projects, with 22 schemes affected and Rs 41 million in losses.
Health specialists have cautioned that contaminated water, poor sanitation and accumulated waste could increase the risk of diarrhoea, cholera and other infections.
Dr Bimal Sharma Chalise, chief consultant physician at Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, said: "There is a risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases as well as skin infections." He stressed the importance of personal hygiene and safe food and drinking water.
Infectious disease specialist Dr Sher Bahadur Pun noted that waterborne diseases are more likely to emerge during the initial period after a disaster, urging special protection for children, older people, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses.
Authorities have stepped up preventive measures in Rasuwa. A total of 21,000 doses of cholera vaccine, supported by the World Health Organization, were transported to the district by a Nepal Army helicopter on Sunday.
Health and Food Safety Minister Nisha Mehta has directed authorities to immediately provide medicines, vaccines and health supplies, intensify disease surveillance, and deploy health workers where necessary.
Meanwhile, the Water Supply and Sewerage Management Department is working to restore damaged infrastructure. A 100 KVA diesel generator has been deployed at the Bidur Water Supply Project, enabling distribution of 500,000 litres of water daily. Seven pumps have been installed to restore services to around 500 households in Battar, while tankers and HDPE pipes are being prepared for Trishuli Bazaar and Belkotgadhi.
The department said its response will focus on both immediate water supplies and long-term restoration to prevent prolonged shortages in flood-hit areas.
(With inputs from RSS)